US20170000528A1 - Facet lamina plate system - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for securing facet joints of a spine of a patient is provided. The apparatus may include a first connection device configured to be positioned directly through a first facet joint of the spine of the patient. Additionally, the apparatus may include a second connection device configured to be positioned directly through a second facet joint of the spine of the patient. Furthermore, the apparatus may include a plate configured to engage the first and second connection devices after the first and second connection devices are positioned through the first and second facet joints respectively. The plate may include a first slot configured to engage the first connection device and a second slot configured to engage the second connection device. The first slot may be perpendicular to the second slot, and the first slot may be perpendicular to a long axis of the spine of the patient.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present application relates to medical devices and instruments related to spine surgeries, and, more particularly, to a facet lamina plate system.
BACKGROUND
• Over the years, substantial progress has been made in medical technology, medical devices, and surgical techniques. This progress has dramatically improved patient survival rates, life expectancies, and quality of living, while also, often times, simultaneously reducing the incidence of serious complications or side effects. Despite such progress, continuous improvements to such medical technology, medical devices, and surgical techniques are needed to provide physicians with the most effective and safe treatments and procedures that are utilized to treat patients. As an example, back surgeries such as spinal fusions, discectomies, foraminotomies, laminectomies, and spinal disc replacements, while often very useful in treating various back-related conditions, are typically quite invasive and may potentially have unwanted or unintended consequences. Such consequences may include, but are not limited to, failed back syndrome, pseudoarthrosis, implant failure, the migration or subsidence of grafts, infection, bleeding, nerve damage, continued back pain after surgery, or a variety of other consequences. Fortunately, such consequences are often rare, particularly when such surgeries are performed by skilled surgeons. Nevertheless, an increasing number of people are undergoing various types of back surgeries each year. Additionally, there continues to be tremendous increases in medical costs associated with these procedures. As a result, the incidence of unintended or unwanted consequences may rise in a similar fashion. Therefore, providing additional options to physicians for conducting such surgeries is desirable, particularly because such options may aid in reducing such consequences.
SUMMARY
• A facet lamina plate system and accompanying methods for utilizing the facet lamina plate system are disclosed. The facet lamina plate system may be utilized during spinal fusion surgeries such as, but not limited to, traditional spinal fusion surgeries, posterior lumbar spinal fusions, supplemental fixations performed after anterior lumbar fusions, or any other suitable type of spinal fusion surgery. Spinal fusion surgeries are utilized to treat a variety of conditions such as, but not limited to, degenerative disc disease, spinal tumors, spinal disc herniations, vertebral fractures, scoliosis, spondylosis, and spondylolisthesis. Spinal fusion surgeries involve fusing or joining together two or more vertebrae of a patient's spine. Often times, supplementary bone grafts, either from the patient or a donor, are utilized in conjunction with the patient's own natural bone growth processes to facilitate a successful fusion. Such spinal fusion surgeries have become increasingly common, and it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of these types of surgical procedures are performed in the world each year.
• In particular, the facet lamina plate system may be implanted into a patient's spine during a surgical procedure, such as a spinal fusion procedure or other appropriate procedure. Initially, a surgeon performing the surgical procedure may create an incision in the patient's back and insert a first connection device directly through a first facet joint of the spine of the patient. The first facet joint may be a facet joint that needs to be fused. Once the first connection device is inserted through the first facet joint, the surgeon may insert a second connection device directly through a second facet joint of the spine of the patient. The second facet joint may be contralateral with respect to the first facet joint and may be located at the same level as the first facet joint. As with the first facet joint, the second facet joint may also be associated with the vertebrae that needs to be fused. After the first and second connection devices have been inserted through the first and second facet joints respectively, the surgeon can engage first and second slots of a plate with the first and second connection devices respectively. In one embodiment, the first slot of the plate may be perpendicular to the second slot of the plate, and the first slot may be perpendicular to a long axis of the spine of the patient. However, other arrangements for the slots of the plate are also contemplated in the pending disclosure. Once the plate is engaged with the first and second connection devices in a desired position, the surgeon can tighten or otherwise ensure that the first and second connection devices are firmly affixed to the first and second facet joints respectively. The surgeon may then suture or otherwise close the incision. As a result, the facet lamina plate system stabilizes the spinal segment with the goal of facilitating a successful spinal fusion.
• In one embodiment, a facet lamina plate system for securing facet joints of a spine of a patient may be provided. The facet lamina plate system may include a first connection device that may be configured to be positioned directly through a first facet joint of the spine of a patient. Additionally, the system may include a second connection device that may be configured to be positioned directly through a second facet joint of the spine of the patient. The second facet joint may be contralateral with respect to the first facet joint and may be located at the same level as the first facet joint. Furthermore, the system may include a plate that may be configured to engage the first and second connection devices after the first and second connection devices have been positioned through the first and second facet joints respectively. The plate may include a first slot that may be configured to engage the first connection device, and a second slot that may be configured to engage the second connection device. The first slot of the plate may be configured to be perpendicular to the second slot and the first slot may be perpendicular to a long axis of the spine of the patient.
• In another embodiment, a method for securing facet joints and vertebrae of a spine of a patient may be provided. The method may include positioning a first connection device directly through a first facet joint of the spine and a second connection device directly through a second facet joint of the spine of the patient. The second facet joint may be contralateral with respect to the first facet joint and may be located at the same level as the first facet joint. Also, the method may include engaging a plate with the first and second connection devices after positioning the first and second connection devices through the first and second facet joints. The plate may include first and second slots such that the first slot may be configured to engage the first connection device and the second slot may be configured to engage the second connection device when engaging the plate. Notably, the first slot may be perpendicular to the second slot and the first slot may be perpendicular to a long axis of the spine of the patient.
• In yet another embodiment, another facet lamina plate system for securing facet joints and vertebrae of a spine of a patient may be provided. The facet lamina plate system may include a plate that is positionable in proximity to first and second facet joints of the patient's spine. The first and second facet joints may be right and left facet joints located at the same spinal level of a patient respectively. The plate may include a first interface and a second interface. Additionally, the system may include a first connection device configured to be positioned directly through the first facet joint of the spine of the patient by inserting a shaft portion of the first connection device through a hole in the first interface. The first connection device may be positioned through the first facet joint after the plate is positioned in proximity to the first and second facet joints, wherein a head portion of the first connection device may be configured to rest adjacent to a surface of an indentation in the first interface. The indentation of the first interface may be adjacent to the hole of the first interface. Furthermore, the system may include a second connection device that may be configured to be positioned directly through the second facet joint of the spine of the patient by inserting a shaft portion of the second connection device through a hole in the second interface. The second connection device may be positioned through the second facet joint after the plate is positioned in proximity to the first and second facet joints. A head portion of the second connection device may be configured to rest adjacent to a surface of an indentation in the second interface, which may be located adjacent the hole of the second interface.
• In another embodiment, a facet lamina plate kit may be provided. The facet lamina plate kit may include a plurality of connection devices. A first connection device of the plurality of connection devices may be configured to be positioned directly through a first facet joint of a spine of a patient. A second connection device of the plurality of connection devices may be configured to be positioned directly through a second facet joint of the spine of the patient. The second facet joint may be contralateral with respect to the first facet joint and may be located at the same level as the first facet joint. The facet lamina plate kit may further include a plate that may be configured to engage the plurality of connection devices. In one embodiment, the plate may be configured to engage the first and second connection devices after the first and second connection devices have been positioned through the first and second facet joints respectively. The plate of the facet lamina plate kit may include a first slot that may be configured to engage the first connection device. Additionally, the plate may include a second slot that may be configured to engage the second connection device. The first slot may be positioned perpendicular to the second slot, and the first slot may be positioned perpendicular to a long axis of the spine of the patient when the plate is implanted.
• In still another embodiment, another facet lamina plate kit may be provided. The facet lamina plate kit may include a plate and a plurality of connection devices. The plate may be configured to be positionable in proximity to a first facet joint and a second facet joint of a spine of a patient. The plate may include a first interface and a second interface. A first connection device of the plurality of connection devices may be configured to be positioned directly through the first facet joint of the spine of the patient by inserting a shaft portion of the first connection device through a hole in the first interface. In one embodiment, the first connection device may be positioned through the first facet joint after the plate is positioned in proximity to the first and second facet joints, wherein a head portion of the first connection device may be configured to rest adjacent to a surface of an indentation in the first interface. The indentation in the first interface may be located adjacent to the hole of the first interface. A second connection device may be configured to be positioned directly through the second facet joint of the spine of the patient by inserting a shaft portion of the second connection device through a hole in the second interface. The second facet joint may be contralateral with respect to the first facet joint and may be located at the same level as the first facet joint. The second connection device may be positioned through the second facet joint after the plate is positioned in proximity to the first and second facet joints. A head portion of the second connection device may be configured to rest adjacent to a surface of an indentation in the second interface. The indentation of the second interface may be adjacent to the hole of the second interface.
• These and other features of the facet lamina plate systems, methods, and kits are described in the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an anteroposterior view of a spine of a patient that has a facet lamina plate system implanted onto the spine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 2 is an anteroposterior view of a spine of a patient featuring a pair of connection devices inserted directly through facet joints of the spine, wherein the connection devices are a part of the facet lamina plate system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a lateral view of a spine of a patient featuring the pair of connection devices ofFIG. 2 inserted into facet joints of the spine of the patient.
• FIG. 4 is an exploded top view of the facet lamina plate system ofFIG. 1 featuring a pair of connection devices and a plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 5 is a top view of the facet lamina plate system ofFIG. 1 featuring two connection devices engaged with slots of a plate of the system.
• FIG. 6 is a side view of the facet lamina plate system ofFIG. 1 featuring two connection devices engaged with slots of a plate of the system.
• FIG. 7 is an exploded top view of a facet lamina plate system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 8 is an anteroposterior view of a spine implanted with the facet lamina plate system ofFIG. 7.
• FIG. 9 is a lateral view of a spine implanted with the facet lamina plate system ofFIG. 7.
• FIG. 10 is an exploded top view of a facet lamina plate system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 11 is an angled anteroposterior view of a spine implanted with the facet lamina plate system ofFIG. 10.
• FIG. 12 is an anteroposterior view of a spine implanted with the facet lamina plate system ofFIG. 10.
• FIG. 13 is an exploded top view of a facet lamina plate system according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 14 is an angled anteroposterior view of a spine implanted with the facet lamina plate system ofFIG. 13.
• FIG. 15 is a lateral view of a spine of a patient implanted with the facet lamina plate system ofFIG. 13.
• FIG. 16 features a method for securing facet joints of a spine of a patient according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to facetlamina plate systems100,700,1000,1300, corresponding kits, and methods for securing facet joints of a spine of a patient. Notably, in one embodiment, the facetlamina plate systems100,700,1000,1300 may be utilized during spinal fusion surgeries such as, but not limited to, traditional spinal fusion surgeries, posterior lumbar spinal fusions, supplemental fixations performed after anterior lumbar fusions, or other types of spinal fusion surgery. In particular, the facetlamina plate systems100,700,1000,1300 may be implanted onto a patient's spine during a spinal fusion procedure, or other appropriate procedure. In a preferred embodiment, which is illustrated inFIGS. 1-6, a surgeon may create an incision in the patient's back to implant a facetlamina plate system100, and insert afirst connection device135 of the facetlamina plate system100 directly through afirst facet joint160 of thespine155 of the patient. The first facet joint160 may be a facet joint that is associated with the vertebrae of thespine155 that need to be fused by the surgeon.
• Once thefirst connection device135 is inserted through the first facet joint160, the surgeon may insert asecond connection device145 of the facetlamina plate system100 directly through asecond facet joint162 of thespine155 of the patient. The second facet joint may be a contralateral facet joint with respect to the first facet joint, and may be located at the same level as the first facet joint. The second facet joint162 may also be associated with the vertebrae that need to be fused. The surgeon may then engage first andsecond slots110 and115 of aplate105 of the facetlamina plate system100 with the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 respectively. After theplate105 is engaged with the first andsecond connection devices135,145 in a desired position, the surgeon can then tighten or otherwise affix the first andsecond connection devices135,145 to the first and second facet joints160,162 respectively to ensure that theplate105 and theconnection devices135,145 are implanted thespine155. Once the facetlamina plate system100 is implanted, the surgeon may then suture or otherwise close the incision in the patient's back. As a result, the facet lamina plate system facilitates the mechanism by which the patient's vertebrae can be fused in an effective manner, while also providing long-lasting and/or permanent fixation.
• Referring to the drawings and in particular toFIGS. 1-6 in further detail, the facetlamina plate system100, according to one embodiment of the invention, is schematically illustrated. The facetlamina plate system100 may include aplate105, afirst connection device135, and asecond connection device145. Notably, the facetlamina plate system100 may be implanted onto thespine155 of a patient. InFIGS. 1-3, thespine155 of the patient is illustratively shown as including at least afirst vertebra156, asecond vertebra157, athird vertebra158, a first facet joint160 between the first andsecond vertebrae156 and157, a second facet joint162 between thefirst vertebra156 andsecond vertebra157, a third facet joint161 between thesecond vertebra157 and thethird vertebra158, aspinous process165, a firsttransverse process170, a secondtransverse process171, andlamina175. Of course, thespine155 may include any of the other traditional structural features of a spine such as, but not limited to, vertebral bodies, pedicles, a spinal canal, and other such structural features.
• Referring more specifically toFIGS. 1 and 4-6, theplate105 of the facetlamina plate system100 may be utilized to provide a supporting mechanism to help achieve an effective fusion. In one embodiment, theplate105 may be rectangular in shape. However, theplate105 may also conform to the shape of thespine155, conform to the shape of thelamina175, conform to the shape of the facet joints160,161,162, have a square shape, have a “U” shape, or have any other desired shape that may assist in achieving fusion of vertebrae. In one embodiment, theplate105 may be made of titanium, however, any suitable material may be utilized such as, but not limited to, steel, suitable non-metallic compounds, plastics, or any other suitable material. In one embodiment, theplate105 may include afirst slot110 having a pair ofindentations120,121 adjacent to either side of thefirst slot110. Additionally, theplate105 may include asecond slot115 having a pair ofindentations125,126 adjacent to either side of thesecond slot115. Theplate105 may further include anotch130 that may be configured to engage a bottom portion (or any other desired portion) of thespinous process165 of thespine155 once theplate105 is implanted onto thespine155 of the patient. In one embodiment, thefirst slot110 may be positioned perpendicular to thesecond slot115, and the first slot may be configured to be perpendicular to a long axis of thespine155 when theplate105 is implanted onto thespine155 of the patient. In certain other embodiments, thefirst slot110 and thesecond slot115 may be positioned at any desired angle with respect to each other or with respect to thespine155.
• With regard to thefirst slot110 of theplate105,indentation120 may be positioned on one side adjacent to thefirst slot110 andindentation121 may be positioned on the other side adjacent to thefirst slot110. Illustratively, the positioning of theindentations120,121 with respect to thefirst slot110 may be seen inFIGS. 4-5. With regard to thesecond slot115,indentation125 may be positioned on one side adjacent to thesecond slot115 andindentation126 may be positioned on the other side adjacent to thesecond slot115. Illustratively, the positioning of theindentations125,126 may be seen inFIGS. 4-5. In one embodiment, each of theindentations120,121,125,126 may be half-hemispherical interfaces as illustrated inFIGS. 4-6. In another embodiment, theindentations120,121,125,126 may be interfaces such that when first andsecond connection devices135 and145 are inserted into theslots110 and115 respectively, a portion of thehead137 of thefirst connection device135 can rest on theindentations120 and121, and a portion of thehead147 of thesecond connection device145 can rest on theindentations125 and126. The resting of the portion of thehead137 in theindentations120 and121, and the resting of the portion of thehead147 in theindentations125 and126 are schematically shown inFIGS. 5-6. When theheads137 and147 rest on theindentations120,121,125, and126, it may create, in essence, a ball-cup interface, which can allow the seating of theconnection devices135 and145 on theplate105 to occur at varying desired angles and can allow theplate105 to move with respect to theconnection devices135 and145 at various degrees of freedom. In certain embodiments, theplate105 may include any number ofslots110 and115, and a portion of theheads137 and147 of the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 may be wider than the widths of the first andsecond slots110 and115.
• With regard to thefirst connection device135 of the facetlamina plate system100, thefirst connection device135 may include ahead137, ashaft portion139, and atip141. Similarly, thesecond connection device145 of the facetlamina plate system100 may include ahead147, ashaft portion149, and atip151. In certain embodiments, thefirst connection device135 and thesecond connection device145 may be screws, tapping screws, self-drilling screws, fasteners, nails or any other type of connection device. In certain embodiments, the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 may be made of titanium, stainless steel, plastics, or any other suitable material. Thehead portions137 and147 may haveslots138 and148 respectively, which may be configured to receive an end of a screwdriver or other similar device so that the first and second connection devices may be screwed into the facet joints160,162 or into other desired areas of thespine155 by using the screwdriver. In one embodiment, instead of havingslots138 and148 as shown inFIGS. 5-7, thehead portions137 and147 may have star-shaped slots configured to receive a star-shaped end of a screwdriver or other similar device. In certain other embodiments, thehead portions137 and147 may have any type of notch or slot contained therein. In addition to thehead portions137 and147, thefirst connection device135 may include ashaft portion139, and thesecond connection device145 may include may include ashaft portion149. In one embodiment, theshaft portions139 and149 may have threading similar to a traditional screw so that the first andsection connection devices135 and145 may be screwed in readily into the facet joints160 and162 or other desired locations of thespine155. Also, thefirst connection device135 may include atip141, and the second connection device may include atip151. Thetips141 and151 may be pointed much like the end of a traditional screw such that the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 can experience minimal resistance when being positioned through the facet joints160 and162 or other desired locations. In certain embodiments, a greater or lesser number ofconnection devices135 and145 may be utilized.
• During an operation, a surgeon may implant the facetlamina plate system100 onto aspine155 of a patient in the following manner. Initially, the surgeon may create an incision in the patient's back to expose thespine155 of the patient for a spinal fusion surgical procedure. Once thespine155 is exposed, the surgeon can locate the vertebrae, such asvertebrae156 and157, or other spinal structures that need to be fused during the procedure. After the surgeon has located the first facet joint160 and the second facet joint162, the surgeon may utilize a drill or other tool to drill directly through each of the facet joints160 and162 to create holes for thefirst connection device135 and thesecond connection device145 to be inserted into by the physician. At this point, the physician may position thefirst connection device135 into the hole drilled in the first facet joint160 and thesecond connection device145 into the hole drilled in the second facet joint162 either by hand or by utilizing a tool, such as a screwdriver or other similar tool. In one embodiment, the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 may be inserted into the pedicles of thevertebrae156 and157 as well. In one embodiment, instead of using a drill or other similar device to drill holes into the facet joints160 and162, the surgeon may utilize the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 themselves to create the holes through the first and second facet joints160 and162. For example, if the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 are self-drilling or tapping screws, the surgeon can simply tap on thehead137 of thefirst connection device135 to insert thefirst connection device135 directly through the first facet joint160. Similarly, the surgeon can tap on thehead147 of thesecond connection device145 to insert the second connection device146 directly through the second facet joint162.
• Once the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 are positioned in the first and second facet joints160 and162 respectively, the surgeon can then engage thefirst slot110 of theplate105 with thefirst connection device135 and engage thesecond slot115 of theplate105 with thesecond connection device145. As noted herein, thefirst slot110 may be perpendicular to thesecond slot115, and the first slot may be perpendicular to a long axis of thespine155 when theplate105 is engaged with the first andsecond connection devices135 and145. By having thefirst slot110 and thesecond slot115 of theplate105 being perpendicular with respect to each other, this may maximize the ability to initially place the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 in an optimal position prior to engaging theplate105 with the first andsecond connection devices135 and145. Additionally, if theslots110 and115 are perpendicular with respect to each other, this may also ensure that once theplate105 is engaged with the first andsecond connection devices135 and145, theplate105 is effectively secured in an optimally desired position, while also ensuring that theplate105 does not move unnecessarily once secured. In one embodiment, once theplate105 is engaged with thefirst slot110 and thesecond slot115, thenotch130 of theplate105 may be configured to engage thespinous process165. By engaging thenotch130 with thespinous process165, this may provide an additional means of securing theplate105 to thevertebrae156 and157 and to the first andsecond connection devices135 and145.
• In one embodiment, once theplate105 is engaged with the first andsecond connection devices135 and145, the surgeon can further secure the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 of the facetlamina plate system100 by, for example, utilizing a screwdriver or other device to fully tighten the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 onto the facet joints160 and162. This may allow the facetlamina plate system105 to be securely implanted onto thespine155 of the patient. At this point, the surgeon may close the incision over the facetlamina plate system100 so that the patient can begin the healing process. In one embodiment, the facetlamina plate system100 can be permanently implanted onto the patient'sspine155. However, in other embodiments, the facetlamina plate system100 can be removed if a revision surgery is necessary, or if the surgeon determines thatvertebrae156 and157 have been effectively fused after a period of time and that the patient no longer needs the facetlamina plate system100 implanted onto thespine155.
• Referring to the drawings and in particular toFIGS. 7-9, another facetlamina plate system700 is schematically illustrated. In this embodiment, instead of inserting the first andsecond connection devices135,145 in the facet joints160,162 before engaging a plate or implant, the first andsecond connection devices135,145 may be inserted into the facet joints160,162 after a plate or implant is positioned over the facet joints160,162 first. The facetlamina plate system700 may include the first andsecond connection devices135 and145, one ormore implants705, aninterface710, anindentation712 within theinterface710, and ahole715. Eachimplant705 may be utilized to cover the facet joints, such as facet joints160 and162, and may be configured to extend up over thelamina177. By allowing eachimplant705 to cover a particular facet joint160 or162, or both, the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 may be directly inserted through the facet joints160 and162. Theinterface710 of theimplant705 may be an area of theimplant705 that may be configured to receive either the first orsecond connection device135,145 to secure theimplant705 to a particular facet joint160,162. In one embodiment, theinterface710 may include theindentation712, which may be configured to allow a portion of ahead137,147 of the first orsecond connection devices135,145 to rest adjacent to a surface of theindentation712 when the first orsecond connection device135,145 is inserted throughhole715 of theinterface710. In one embodiment, theindentation712 may be hemispherical in shape or any other shape that may conform to the shape of theheads137,147 of the first andsecond connection devices135 and145.
• During a surgical procedure, a surgeon may implant the facetlamina plate system700 onto aspine155 of a patient in the following manner. To begin the surgical procedure, the surgeon may create an incision in the patient's back to expose thespine155 of the patient for the surgical procedure. Once thespine155 is exposed, the surgeon can locate the vertebrae, such asvertebrae156 and157, that need to be fused. After the surgeon has located the first facet joint160 and the second facet joint162, the surgeon may utilize a drill or other tool to drill directly through each of the facet joints160 and162 to create holes for thefirst connection device135 and thesecond connection device145 to be inserted into by the physician. At this point, the physician may position theimplant705 over a particular facet joint, such as facet joint162 in this example, into a desired position. The surgeon may then insert, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, thesecond connection device145 through thehole715 in theinterface710 to secure theimplant705 onto the facet joint162. The surgeon may repeat the process for facet joint160 if anotherimplant705 is needed for facet joint160. Once theimplant705 is secured, the surgeon can close the incision to allow the patient to heal.
• Referring to the drawings and in particular toFIGS. 10-12, yet another facetlamina plate system1000 is schematically illustrated. The facetlamina plate system1000 may include the first andsecond connection devices135 and145, aplate1005, aleft interface1010, aright interface1011, aleft indentation1012, aright indentation1013, aleft hole1015, aright hole1016, anotch1020, and anotch1025. Theplate1005 may be utilized to cover the facet joints, such as facet joints160 and162, and can engage thespinous process165. When theplate1005 is positioned in a desired position over the facet joints160 and162, the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 may be directly inserted through the facet joints160 and162 after theplate1005 is positioned. Theinterfaces1010 and1011 may be areas of theplate1005 that may be configured to receive the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 to secure theplate1005 to the facet joints160 and162. In one embodiment, theleft interface1010 may include anindentation1012, which may be configured to allow a portion of ahead137,147 of the first orsecond connection devices135,145 to rest adjacent to a surface of theindentation1012 when the first orsecond connection device135,145 is inserted throughhole1015 of theinterface1010. Similarly, theright interface1011 may include anindentation1013, which may be configured to allow a portion of ahead137,147 of the first orsecond connection devices135,145 to rest adjacent to a surface of theindentation1013 when the first orsecond connection devices135,145 is inserted through thehole1016 of theinterface1011. In one embodiment, theindentations1012 and1013 may be partially hemispherical in shape or any other shape that may conform to the shape of theheads137,147 of the first andsecond connection devices135 and145.
• The facetlamina plate system1000 may be implanted onto aspine155 of a patient in the following exemplary manner. The surgeon may create an incision in the patient's back to expose thespine155 of the patient for a surgical procedure. Once thespine155 is exposed, the surgeon can locate the vertebrae, such asvertebrae156 and157, that need to be fused during the procedure. Once the surgeon has located the facet joints160,162, the surgeon may utilize a drill or other tool to drill directly through each of the facet joints160 and162 to create holes for thefirst connection device135 and thesecond connection device145 to be inserted into. The surgeon may then position theplate1005 over the facet joints160 and162 into a desired position. Thenotch1020 of theplate1005 may engage a bottom portion of thespinous process165 so as to ensure a secure fit. Thenotch1025 may exist, in part, to minimize the amount of material in theplate1005 that is used for the facetlamina plate system1000 and to prevent theplate1005 from unnecessarily touching other areas of thespine155. The surgeon may then insert, as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 through theholes1015 and1016 of theplate1005 respectively to secure theplate1005 onto the facet joints160 and162. Once the facetlamina plate system1000 is secured, the surgeon can close the incision and complete the surgical procedure.
• Referring to the drawings and in particular toFIGS. 13-15, still another facetlamina plate system1300 is schematically illustrated. The facetlamina plate system1300 may include the first andsecond connection devices135 and145, aplate1305, aleft interface1310, aright interface1311, aleft indentation1312, aright indentation1313, a left hole1315, aright hole1316, and anotch1325. Theplate1305 may be utilized to cover the facet joints, such as facet joints160 and162, extend up over thelamina177, and can engage the top of thespinous process165. When theplate1305 is positioned in a desired position over the facet joints160 and162 and thespinous process165, the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 may be directly inserted through the facet joints160 and162 shortly afterwards. Theinterfaces1310 and1311 may be areas of theplate1305 that may be configured to receive the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 to secure theplate1305 to the facet joints160 and162. In one embodiment, theleft interface1310 may include anindentation1312, which may be configured to allow a portion of ahead137,147 of the first orsecond connection devices135,145 to rest adjacent to a surface of theindentation1312 when the first orsecond connection device135,145 is inserted through hole1315 of theinterface1310. Similarly, theright interface1311 may include anindentation1313, which may be configured to allow a portion of ahead137,147 of the first orsecond connection devices135,145 to rest adjacent to a surface of theindentation1313 when the first orsecond connection devices135,145 is inserted through thehole1316 of theinterface1311. In one embodiment, theindentations1312 and1313 may be partially hemispherical in shape or may be any other shape that may conform to the shape of theheads137,147 of the first andsecond connection devices135 and145.
• In one embodiment, the facetlamina plate system1300 may be implanted onto aspine155 of a patient in the following exemplary manner. The surgeon may begin the surgical procedure by creating an incision in the patient's back to expose thespine155 of the patient for the procedure. Once thespine155 is exposed, the surgeon can locate the vertebrae, such asvertebrae156 and157, that need to be fused during the procedure. Once the surgeon has located the facet joints160,162, the surgeon may utilize a drill or other tool to drill directly through each of the facet joints160 and162 to create holes for thefirst connection device135 and thesecond connection device145 to be inserted into. The surgeon may then position theplate1305 over the facet joints160 and162 and over a top portion of thespinous process165 into the desired position. Thenotch1325 of theplate1005 may engage the top portion of thespinous process165 so as to ensure a secure fit. The surgeon may then insert, as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, the first andsecond connection devices135 and145 through theholes1315 and1316 respectively to secure theplate1305 onto the facet joints160 and162. Once the facetlamina plate system1300 is secured, the surgeon can close the incision and complete the surgical procedure.
• Notably, the facetlamina plate systems100,700,1000,1300 may also be provided as a kit to various surgeons, hospitals, or other users. The kit may separately include theplate105,plate705,plate1005,plate1305, thefirst connection device135, and thesecond connection device145, or various combinations of any of these components. In an embodiment, the kit may be configured to include additional plates of varying shapes and sizes, along with connection devices that correspond to the additional plates of varying shapes and sizes. In another embodiment, each of the items that are part of the facetlamina plate systems100,700,1000,1300 may be packaged separately. The kit may also include instructions for assembling and disassembling the facetlamina plate systems100,700,1000,1300. Additionally, the kit may include instructions for performing spinal fusion surgeries using the facetlamina plate systems100,700,1000,1300 as well. Furthermore, the instructions may include various steps for using the facetlamina plate systems100,700,1000,1300 based on the type of procedure to be performed on a particular patient.
• Referring now also toFIG. 16, anexemplary method1600 for securing facet joints of a spine of a patient is schematically illustrated. Themethod1600 may include, at step1602, creating an incision in a patient's back to expose thespine155 of the patient in preparation of a spinal fusion surgery or other suitable surgery. In one embodiment, the incision may be created at a location where vertebrae of thespine155 need to be fused. Atstep1604, themethod1600 may include positioning afirst connection device135 directly through afirst facet joint160 of thespine155 of the patient. Themethod1600 may then include, atstep1606, positioning asecond connection device145 directly through asecond facet joint162 of thespine155 of the patient. Once the first andsecond connection devices135,145 are positioned through the first and second facet joints160,162 respectively, themethod1600 may include engaging theplate105 with the first andsecond connection devices135,145, atstep1608. In one embodiment, the plate may beplate705,plate1005,plate1305, or any other suitable plate. In one embodiment, when theplate105 is engaged with the first andsecond connection devices135,145, thefirst slot110 and thesecond slot115 of theplate105 may be engaged with the first andsecond connection devices135,145 respectively.
• Atstep1610, themethod1600 may include determining if theplate105 is in a position to secure the first and second facet joints160,162 and thevertebrae156,157 of the patient such that an effective fusion of thevertebrae156,157 may occur. If it is determined that theplate105 is not in a position to secure the facet joints160,162 and thevertebrae156,157, themethod1600 may include, at step1612, adjusting the position of theplate105 so that theplate105 is in a position to secure the facet joints160,162 and thevertebrae156,157 effectively. If, however, it is determined that theplate105 is in a position to secure the facet joints160,162, and thevertebrae156,157, themethod1600 may include, atstep1614, further securing the first andsecond connection devices135,145 and theplate105 in the position to secure the facet joints160,162 and thevertebrae156,157. In one embodiment, securing the first andsecond connection devices135,145 and theplate105 may mean tightening or otherwise affixing the first andsecond connection devices135,145 to ensure rigid fixation of thevertebrae156,157. Atstep1616, themethod1600 may include closing the incision in the patient's back after securing the first andsecond connection devices135,145 and theplate105 to the facet joints160162, and thevertebrae156,157.
• Furthermore, it is important to note that the methods, devices, and kits described herein may incorporate any of the functionality, components, and/or features described herein or otherwise and are not intended to be limited to the description provided above.
• The illustrations of arrangements described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatuses and methods that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other arrangements will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other arrangements may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
• Thus, although specific arrangements have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific arrangement shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments and arrangements of the invention. Combinations of the above arrangements, and other arrangements not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular arrangement(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments and arrangements falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (8)

1-20. (canceled)

21. A system for securing facet joints of a spine of a patient, the system comprising:

a first screw configured to be positioned through a first facet joint of the spine of the patient;

a second screw configured to be positioned through a second facet joint of the spine of the patient; and

a plate configured to engage the first and second screws after the first and second screws are positioned through the first and second facet joints respectively, the plate comprising:

a first slot comprising an opening extending to an edge of the plate and configured to engage the first screw after the first screw is positioned through the first facet joint; and

a second slot comprising an opening extending to an edge of the plate and configured to engage the second screw after the second screw is positioned through the second facet joint, wherein the first slot is perpendicular to the second slot and the first slot is perpendicular to a long axis of the spine of the patient.

22. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the plate is configured to extend up over the lamina of the spine and engage a spinous process of the spine when the plate is engaged with the first and second screws.

23. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the first and second screws each include a head located at distal ends of the first and second screws, wherein each head enables the plate to be secured to the first and second screws when the plate is engaged.

24. The system ofclaim 23, wherein each head is wider than the first and second slots of the plate.

25. The system ofclaim 23, wherein each head is configured to be flush with a surface of the plate when the plate is engaged with the first and second screws.

26. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the first and second screws each include a head located at distal ends of the first and second screws, wherein each head is shaped such that when the plate is engaged with the first and second screws, a portion of the head of the first screw rests on a pair of indentations adjacent to the first slot and a portion of the head of the second screw rests on a pair of indentations adjacent to the second slot.

27. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the plate is configured to extend over the spinous process and have a U-shaped structure.

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